I have attached the Desert public golf course reviews, and descriptions. Our Desert from Palm Springs to Indio is world famous as one of the most popular golf vacation destinations in the America. The truth is that our Desert is referred to as the "golf capital of the world," with more than 125 golf courses, great weather and natural beauty adding to the area's popularity as a top golf & vacation location.

October is the over seeding time so many courses are closed, but come November the gorgeous green fairways are something to see. Rates of course increase during the high season, but there are so many courses and so many possible deals through GolfNow, Stand by Golf, Palm Springs Tee Times and in the Desert Sun and the local Golf Magazine that you will enjoy the beautiful “walk in the park” golfing experience beyond your dreams.

Palm Springs Public Golf Courses

Escena Golf Club

Opened in 2009, Escena Golf Course is Palm Springs California's newest 18 hole golf course located at 1100 Clubhouse View Drive in the north eastern section of Palm Springs, Ca.

This 18-hole golf course is open to the public and is available at affordable rates. Escena's Palm Springs Golf Course offers beautiful mountain views of the spectacular Palm Springs Desert area mountain range from every hole.

Lush landscaping and thousands of palm trees make this course feel like a paradise. Water concourses throughout this golf course offer a surprise for your senses of both sight and sound and you play golf in this quiet desert golf oasis.

An amazing new and ultra-spacious Mid-Century Modern-style clubhouse echoes the design style of Palm Springs and includes a dining room and full-service bar. This is distinctive feature available to guests and members (open to the public) at Escena Golf Course in Palm Springs. Traditional favorites and specialty drinks are available here. Plus, here you can enjoy cool desert evenings after a great golf game with friends around a beautiful fire pit outdoors on the patio overlooking the incredible mountain views.

If you have a special event or a group of friends you'd like to host for a golf trip dinner, Escena's dining room is available for rent for small events or business meetings. The clubhouse and bar's outdoor patio that overlooks the Escena Golf Course and the mountain vistas is an excellent location for a re-cap of the day's golf with friends and family. This course offers 7,211 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Escena Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Stretching to almost 7,200 yards from the back tees, don't be fooled in thinking this paradise is a push over. Strategically placed hazards and acres of desert-scapes can put a challenge on shot making.

Also, while bunkers protect many of the undulating greens, most offer collection areas that dramatically improve your chances to save par. With generous fairways and four sets of tees to select from, each golfer can decide his or her own personal level for challenge.

This is a fun Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with fantastic views. I have played this course many times and always come back and enjoy.

Mesquite Golf & Country Club

Directions: East on Ramon Road, south on Farrell Drive to clubhouse at Mesquite Avenue

Mesquite Golf Course is centrally located less than ten minutes to downtown Palm Springs. The course at Mesquite Golf and Country Club features five lakes and many large trees lining the fairways. The mountain views of the San Jacinto Palm Springs mountain range are gorgeous from this course. Mesquite Country Club has hosted several local PGA and Golden State Tour events. Though this course is relatively short by championship standards, playing 6,400 yards from the tips, Mesquite Golf Course offers a challenging golf game with numerous water hazards.

Moderately rolling fairways with washes that are playing factors. Some holes are very close together, so be alert. Bermuda greens.

Seven Lakes Country Club

The 18-hole "Seven Lakes" course at the Seven Lakes Country Club facility in Palm Springs, California features 2,712 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 58. Designed by Ted Robinson, ASGCA, and the Seven Lakes golf course opened in 1965.

7 Lakes Pro Shop and Golf Professional Simon Letts, PGA invites you to come in and see our new supply of golf equipment and clothing. Golf lessons are also available. They welcome outside players who are members of other private golf clubs in the USA and Canada; those who carry a USGA membership card are also welcome. For tee times call 760-328-9774

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

Directions: East on Ramon Road to Crossley; or east on Highway 111 to Golf Club Drive, north to course entrance.

Open to the Public!

Two 18-hole championship Tahquitz Creek Palm Springs golf courses offer very different golf experiences. A long-time favorite among Palm Springs golfers, the Legend Course at Tahquitz Creek is a par-72, 6,600-yard course with a traditional layout. It was originally designed by William (Billy) Bell in the 1950s. Recent renovations have added 40 new bunkers to the Legends Course.

The newer of the two golf courses at the Palm Springs Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, called the Resort Course, is a Ted Robinson design introduced in 1995. A par-72, 6,705-yard course with four sets of tees, the Resort Course, also features a desert links-style layout. Both Tahquitz Creek golf courses offer gorgeous views of the Palm Springs mountain range.

An abundance of unique amenities are available at the Arnold Palmer-managed Tahquitz Creek Golf Course in Palm Springs include a driving range, a putting area, and short game area plus Palm Springs golf lessons and clinics.

The Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort features a well-supplied golf shop as well as the Traditions Cafe. Golf Digest has rated the Palm Springs Tahquitz Creek Public golf courses among its "Best Places to Play."

GolfBoards: Tahquitz Crek golf Resort offers 20 golf boards for their guest to use when they play. GolfBoard rentals are $35 in addition to any regular fees. Come to Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort and "Ride the Wave"

Indian Canyons Golf

Directions: Traveling south on Palm Canyon Drive, the road divides. Traveling south proceed on Palm Canyon Drive. Turn left on Murray Canyon Drive. Proceed one mile. Make the mandatory right on Murray Canyon Drive.

Surrounded on three sides by breathtaking, colorful, natural mountain vistas, sheltered from the wind and nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains lies the jewel of the desert, Indian Canyons Golf Resort. This 36-hole resort is uniquely positioned to offer you an unrivaled golf experience in the Greater Palm Springs Area.

The facility offers two very distinctively different golf courses and each is a reflection of its time.

The South Course is an 18-hole championship course that was redesigned by Casey O'Callaghan in 2004 along with consultant, Amy Alcott, LPGA Hall-of-Famer. This par 72, 6,582-yard championship course has four large lakes that come into play on six of the holes, but the most extraordinary feature is the 5 five par holes. The course also features rolling mounds and fairways and more than 850 palm trees, including some 500 Washingtonian filifera palm trees native to the Agua Caliente Tribe and an important tree in the history of the Tribe.

The North Course is a par 72, 6,943-yard course that was designed by well-known architect, William P. Bell and is heavily steeped in tradition. This classically designed course meanders through Palm Springs' stylish "Canyon" region, which boasts a wide array of authentic mid-century modern homes and stunning mountain views. The course is brought to life by thousands of palm, olive and other native trees. The course has six challenging water hazards the largest which is located between the 9th and 18th holes and hosts the course's visual centerpiece, the historic Walt Disney fountain which shoots water jets over 100 feet high.

I have played both these wonderful golf courses and you will not be disappointed.

South Course: 18 holesYardage: 6,582Designer: Casey O'Callaghan

North Course: 18 holesYardage: 6,943Designer: William P. Bell

Website: www.indiancanyonsgolf.com

O'Donnell Golf Club

Directions: Downtown Palm Springs, Ca. West end of Amado Road, one block west of North Palm Canyon Drive at the Mountains.

Established in 1944 as a private non-profit club, The O'Donnell Golf Club is located mountainside west of the heart of beautiful downtown Palm Springs, California. O'Donnell Golf Course is the oldest golf course in the entire Greater Palm Springs California Desert area. O'Donnell uniquely combines challenging golf with a casual, relaxed back-in-time atmosphere, transporting you to a place in time when things were simpler and less hurried. Special trial/seasonal offers for seasonal residents and Vacation Palm Springs guests who may be interested in sampling O'Donnell prior to joining. For information, please call O'Donnell Golf Club manager Sally at (760) 325-2259. Please mention Vacation Palm Springs guest special offer when you contact Sally.

Beautiful up-close mountain vistas (so close you can actually touch the mountains) plus impeccable conditions make this golf course truly a fun course to play.

The O'Donnell golf course is known for its "playground of the stars." Hollywood celebrities such as Bob and Delores Hope, Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable and others have either played this course or been members of O'Donnell Golf Course and Golf Club.

Notes: This gorgeous scenic course is located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountain range west of Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Founded in 1925, this is the oldest and one of the most historic golf courses in the Palm Springs area.

Cathedral City Public Golf Courses

Cathedral Canyon Golf Club

Directions: Heading East on East Palm Canyon, turn left to go north on Cathedral Canyon Drive, then left to go west on Paseo Real

Cathedral Canyon Golf Club was built in the early 1970's as the centerpiece of the Cathedral Canyon Development.

David Rainville, who has specialized in California golf courses and boasts one of the most spectacular courses in the Coachella Valley, designed the Cathedral Canyon Golf Club at Welk Resorts Desert Oasis. Renowned golfer Billy Casper assisted Mr. Rainville in the design.

Tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers and lakes are set against the backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. In total, 18 holes and over 6,500 yards of championship golf provide challenging play for golf lovers.

Each of the 9-hole layouts, Mountain and Lake, display distinctive features such as tree lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers with rolling hills, all picturesquely meandering among 16-lakes. The surrounding San Jacinto Mountains are sure to offer the most breathtaking views in the Coachella Valley.

Amazingly well designed course that works though all the great views of the desert.

Holes: 18Yardage: 6,505/6,172/5,441/5,423Designer: David Rainville

Website: www.cathedral-canyon.com

Cimarron Golf Club

Address: 67603 30th Ave,Cathedral City, CA 92234Phone: (800) 704-2978

Directions: Take Date Palm exit south from I-10 and turn right on 30th Avenue to the entrance for Cimarron Golf Course.

Playing: Open to the public. Tee times 30 days in advance with credit card guarantee.

The Boulder Corse: The Boulder Course offers four sets of tees that make it fun for players of all abilities. From the back tees, the Boulder Course hosts a rating of 71.6, a slope of 122 and stands about 6,782 yards long.Designer: John Fought, 1999

The Pebble Course: Are you are looking for an 18 hole round in 3 hours and have plenty of energy left to enjoy the rest of the day, the Pebble course is for you. This course offers 17 chances to make a hole in one. With a much friendlier rating of 54.6, the Pebble Course totals 3,020 yards in length.Designer: John Fought, 1999

Rancho Mirage Public Golf Courses

Westin Mission Hills Resort-Gary Player Signature

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway exit Bob Hope / Ramon Rd. Turn right on Bob Hope, then right on Dinah Shore, the gate will be on the left.

The first and only Gary Player course in the desert, the Mission Hills North Course is designed for golfers of all levels and preserves and enhances the natural beauty of the desert environment. The course features 20 acres of lakes, four waterfalls and beautiful landscaping.

The Mission Hills North Course has proved to be a popular one with both public and resort golfers. It is used as an alternative to the Pete Dye Course and is generally easier for the average golfer to play. Player's design makes extensive use of water, with lakes coming into play on 10 holes. On the par-5 11th, water is reachable on all three shots before reaching the green. Three of the course's par-4s - the fifth, eighth and 12th - all feature water in some way. The 11th is the toughest of the par-5s, though a golfer must also be careful on the third hole - which also has a lake in the fairway - and the 17th, with a lake near the green. Both nines end with demanding par-4s with water. The 18th requires a good drive over a lake to a fairway that doglegs to the right.

The only Gary Player course in the desert and it is so much fun.

Yardage: 7,062/6,643/6,044/6,043/4,907Slope:131/124/115/130/118Rating:73.4/71.3/68.5/75.7/68Designer:Gary Player

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort

Directions: Heading east on East Palm Canyon, turn left on Bob Hope Drive, location on your right.

Adjacent to the spectacular Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is the stunningly beautiful Ted Robinson designed, 27-hole golf course that is the centerpiece of Rancho Las Palmas Country Club.

Three distinct nine-hole layouts add a unique flavor to every round played at our Palm Springs golf resort. The gently rolling terrain, palm-tree lined fairways, and incredible mountain vistas are classic California Desert Golf at its very best. The generous fairways of this very player-friendly course wind their way throughout the resort, and with six lakes and infamous Ted Robinson bunkering it provides a memorable challenge for even the best of players. You'll find everything you need for your round at the award-winning golf and tennis professional shops. 760-862-4551

Palm Desert Public Golf Courses

Woodhaven Country Club

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway, exit Washington. Turn right to head South on Washington. Location on the right.

The 18-hole "Woodhaven" course at the Woodhaven Country Club facility in Palm Desert, California features 5,827 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 67.3 and it has a slope rating of 120 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Harold Heers Jr., the Woodhaven golf course opened in 1984.

Woodhaven is a private country club that is considered one of the best-hidden gems of the desert. The golf course was designed with gentle rolling slopes, narrow fairways, with spectacular mountain views throughout the 18 holes.

Fabulous tight course that will test all your golf shots – I should know I have lost a few balls here.

Website: www.woodhavencc.net

Desert Willow Golf

Awarded 4.5 stars by Golf Digest magazine, Desert Willow is another multicourse facility that offers a top-rated golfing experience. The Mountain View course is a 6,913-yard, par-72 classic California venue with long, uneven fairways that integrate indigenous California flora and fauna into the field of play. The more challenging Firecliff course, while a bit longer in total yardage (7,056), is a much more difficult play with more than 100 bunker and hazard areas, and tough shots such as the par-3, 14th hole that requires precision placement from the tee to a sunken green with bunkers on two sides.

I have played both and what more can I say then –wow, what a great experience Desert Willow

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway, exit Cook Street. Make a right to head south on Cook. Turn right on Country Club Drive. The location will be on your right.

Desert Willow Golf Resort located in Palm Desert, California, just minutes away from Palm Springs, offers two of the Coachella Valley's best plays. Test your skills against the natural hazards and myriad water features of the challenging Firecliff Course or play a smoother, more relaxing round on the magnificent Mountain View course, which boasts newly renovated bunkers and greens.

This premium public golf resort was voted 4 and 1/2 stars, 'Best Places to Play' by Golf Digest Magazine. From the moment you make your tee time to the moment your clubs are loaded back into your car, our goal is to make you feel like a member of an exclusive club. You can expect every aspect of your experience at Desert Willow Golf Resort to be taken to a heightened level.

Desert Willow Golf Resort is unlike any other Southern California golf vacation. You will see it in our staff, our two championship golf courses, our spectacular clubhouse, our new Palm Desert Golf Academy, our weddings and special events and of course our incredible views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains.

Its award-winning championship golf in One Legendary Location, on Two Unforgettable Courses. Played both courses and can only say they are two of the finest courses in the desert and I would say in California.

Shadow Ridge Golf Resort

Unlike other courses, the Shadow Ridge, which was designed by championship golfer Nick Faldo, does not try to incorporate the desert terrain into the field of play. The course at Shadow Ridge boasts lush fairways and greens bordered by more than 2,000 trees and shrubs. The course itself is an 18-hole, 6,900 yard, par-71 venue formed in a sideways, lazy figure-8 design. In 2010, Shadow Ridge was chosen by Golf Magazine as one of the top 30 places to play in California.

Difficult yes, but playing the only Nick Faldo course in the desert is something special.

Directions: West on I-10, Exit Monterey Ave. and turn right to go South on Monterey. Turn Left on to Shadow Ridge Rd.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club is set against the beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, California. Located in the Coachella Valley, Shadow Ridge Golf Club enjoys over 350 days of sunshine and blue skies every year. This beautiful and peaceful valley is often referred to as the "golf capital of the world" because of its ideal playing conditions and abundance of courses.

Shadow Ridge Golf Club's designer is what makes it unique from all the rest. Nick Faldo is the winner of six major championships and the all-time points leader in Ryder Cup history. His vast international experience and passion for detail is clearly evident on every spectacular hole of Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Reserve a tee time at Shadow Ridge Golf Club.

Six-time major champion Nick Faldo is known for his unstinting pursuit of excellence as a player, and one of the reasons he is the 2008 European Ryder Cup Captain. Shadow Ridge Golf Club is evidence of his same high standards as a golf designer.

Already established as an internationally acclaimed designer, Faldo's talents were first unveiled in the United States at Shadow Ridge Golf Club. His vast international experience and passion for strategic design are seen on every hole, drawing inspiration from the great sand-belt courses of Australia. Faldo's design at Shadow Ridge Golf Club includes greens that have plenty of subtle undulations and encourage a variety of approach shots.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway, exit Cook St. Turn right to head south on Cook. Turn right at Country Club Drive. The location will be on your left.

You'll hit it off beautifully at Desert Springs' two exceptional 18-hole championship courses, set against the towering backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Both the Palm and Valley courses were designed by acclaimed architect Ted Robinson, "King of Waterscapes" and have made Desert Springs the premier California golf resort that it is today.

On both 18-hole courses, you can take a high tech drive in one of our new golf carts with state-of-the-art navigational and computing systems. Right from your cart, you can use your onboard computer to view graphic layouts of each hole, compute exact yardage to the pin, monitor pace-of-play, and solicit tips from the course's pro on playing a particular hole.

The result is faster playtime, lower scores, and a more enjoyable game. In addition, your lunch or snack can be ordered as you tee off from the 18th hole and be waiting for you at Sand Trap & Wedge for the perfect end to a great round.

Designer: Ted Robinson

Website: www.desertspringsresort.com

Mountain Vista Golf Club

Directions: I-10 East to Washington, north on Washington with club on the right.

If you are visiting from out of the area and are looking for a local secret, visit Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert. You can scour the valley and find courses in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage or even La Quinta but if you want to play a challenging course with extremely well maintained greens at an exceptional price, look no further. 36 holes of Championship Golf, designed by golfing Legend Billy Casper, are open to the Public 7 days a week.

The Mountain Vista Golf Course is a Par 72, championship golf course comprised of two 18-hole courses. Reward yourself with a tee time on this masterpiece designed by former PGA Tour great and two-time PGA Player of the Year, Billy Casper.

The Mountain Vista Golf Course welcomes all players to challenge their game on this exciting layout. Set amidst the Santa Rosa, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio mountain ranges, the views from the golf course are truly spectacular. While on the golf course, golfers are treated to cascading waterfalls, emerald green fairways trimmed with beautiful flowers and palm trees, and each green is a perfect "10".

Classic Club

Directions: I-10 East to Cook Street exit and turn left onto Cook Street. Turn right on Varner Road and Classic Clubs entrance will be on your left at Classic Club Blvd.

This nationally recognized championship course designed by Arnold Palmer and a host site of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, creates a new spin on desert golf with rolling terrain, wide landing areas, 30 acres of water features, 14 bridges as well as an abundance of pine trees, pine straw ground cover with 5 sets of tees on each hole.

My favorite course – a true Arnold Palmer design that was built for the “Bob Hope” and you will never be disappointed. This is one of the finest golf courses, private or public, in the desert, let alone the United States.

Designer: Arnold Palmer

Website: www.classicclubgolf.com

Indian Wells Public Golf Courses

Indian Wells Golf Resort

Indian Wells Golf Resort’s two beautiful courses have been ranked among the top municipal courses in the country. The higher rated of the two courses is the Players Course, which is an 18-hole, 7,300 yard, par-72 venue that has hosted such tournaments as the 2008 LG Skins Game.

The Celebrity Course has views that are breathtaking and equally highly rated nationally and statewide as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable golfing experiences.

I have played both Indian Wells Golf Resort Courses and love the views; the texture of a gorgeously manicured course and it is hard to believe with the staff, the golf shop, the restaurant and the courses that you are playing a municipal course. Private clubs feel through and through.

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway exit Cook St and make a right to head South. At Highway 111 make a left. Turn left at the light at Indian Wells Lane.

Among its many accolades, the Indian Wells Golf Resort holds the distinction of being the only 36-hole public golf facility with both courses on Golfweek's Top 20 "Best Courses You Can Play" in California.

The transformation is now complete and a world-class golf experience awaits you. Clive Clark's Celebrity Course opened to rave reviews in November of 2006, served as the site of the 25th Anniversary LG Skins Game in 2007, and again in 2008. Playability, diversity, and challenge are among the highlights of this desert masterpiece, which features breathtaking mountain views, stunning water features, and an unparalleled golf outing for players of every level.

John Fought's Players Course opened to great acclaim in November of 2007. A brilliant contrast to the Celebrity Course, the Players Course features dynamic bunkering and generous fairway corridors - a fascinating combination to challenge all types of players.

The IW Club, an extraordinary 53,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers a wide range of upscale amenities to complement your Indian Wells golf experience.

What can I say about two of the most amazing golf course in the Country let alone the desert – a must play for both courses.

Website: www.golfresortatindianwells.com

La Quinta Public Golf Courses

SilverRock Resort

Address: 79179 Ahmanson Lane,La Quinta, CA 92253Phone: (760) 777-8884

Managed by Landmark Golf Management, SilverRock Resort's Arnold Palmer Classic Course, a current site of the Bob Hope Classic, is a challenging 7,578 yards, sprawling over 200 acres with massive native bunkers and stunning water features set against the backdrop and natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

The Clubhouse, situated in the rocky outcroppings, is a charming renovation of the former working-ranch hacienda, built by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ahmanson of Home Savings & Loan renown.

A development project funded through the City of La Quinta's Redevelopment Agency, the master plan includes 36 holes of championship golf, a world-class practice center, retail venues, luxury and boutique hotels and a convention center.

Another Arnold Palmer designed course that challenges every shot you have – but what a course to play. Simply a wonderful walk in the park.

PGA West

The PGA West houses six top-rated golfing venues, including three that are consistently rated by Golf magazine as among the best courses to play in the nation. PGA West's most famous course, the Stadium, is an 18-hole, par-72 field designed by world-renowned golf designer Peter Dye. Golf Digest magazine rated as the fourth toughest course in the United States. The Stadium's signature hole is the 16th, which includes a 19-foot deep bunker that runs almost the full length of the hole. The 17th hole known, as Alcatraz is the hole is famous for the Skins Game hole in one by Lee Trevino. Both the Stadium and the Nicklaus Tournament courses are used in the January PGA Tournament that we locals still call “The Bob Hope.”

I have played all the PGA Courses and it is truly a golfers Paradise to behold.

Address: 55955 PGA Boulevard,La Quinta, CA 92253Phone: (800) 742-9378

Directions: Take the Indio Boulevard/Jefferson Street exit off Interstate 10 (I-10 East) and drive south to the end of Jefferson Street to PGA Boulevard. Follow PGA Boulevard to the Stadium Clubhouse.

The Greg Norman Course

The stunning PGA West Greg Norman Course lies in a seabed 40-feet below sea level surrounded by an immense crescent of Terra-cotta Mountains. The course teems with purple, white and yellow wildflowers, while the mix of tall and short native grasses produce different shades of green running almost to silver.

The grass covers just 60 acres of tight fairways that taper toward the greens with nine ponds covering 18 acres. The demands of the PGA West Greg Norman Course are a challenge for players of all levels.

The only Greg Norman course in the desert and you will not want to miss it.

No golf course designer can quite capture the same combination of challenge, beauty, and drama as Jack Nicklaus. The world famous PGA West Jack Nicklaus Course has hosted the Grand Slam of Golf Wendy's Tree Tour Challenge and is home to the PGA 's Tour Qualifying School. It features contoured fairways, undulating greens and deep sand bunkers.

The Jack Nicklaus is a tamer version of the PGA West TPC Stadium Course. Elevated ties, forced carries over water and huge, multi-tiered greens are signatures of the Jack Nicklaus trademark. Bent greens.

I love this course and it is used in the “Bob Hope” of today PGA Tournament. This is one of the true fun courses regardless of your handicap.

There may be no greater challenge in the game of golf than the PGA West TPC Stadium Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye and ranked in The 100 Greatest Courses in the U.S. by Golf Magazine. The original home of the Skins Game, the PGA West TPC Stadium Course has been viewed by millions on TV. The ultimate challenge awaits you at this "see it to believe it " golf course. Packed with pot bunkers, sand, water and side hill lies.

One of the PGA West TPC Stadium course highlights is on the 16th hole, a 571-yard, par 5, where the massive green side bunker, complete with stairs, sits 18 feet below the level of the green. Bent greens.

One of the toughest golf courses in the country and yet fun to play. Target golf and improves your mental game for 18 Pete Dye holes. If you can one put the 17th count the day as a complete success.

La Quinta Resort and Spa

La Quinta Resort’s venues are independent and stand on their own as top-rated courses for the area. The La Quinta's Mountain course is one of those courses always rated as one of the top golf courses in the nation. The Mountain course is a 6,700 yard, par-72 field that boasts some of the trickiest holes in the game, such as the par-5, fourth hole where at the tee, the green is hidden from view by a mountain that you have to play around to get to the hole.

The Dunes Course is equally challenging as a Pete Dye design. In fact this is the course made famous by David Duval when he needed to bride the 17th and 18th holes – both with large water hazards – to regain his PGA card.

Both La Quinta Resort courses are not only challenging yet extremely pleasing with views and inspiring your golfing ability and yet not beating you up at the end of the round.

I have played both La Quinta Resort Pete Dye designed courses and yes they are challenging, but so much fun to partake.

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway, exit Washington Street and make a right. From Washington turn right on Eisenhower Drive, look for the location on your right.

The Mountain Course

This La Quinta Resort Mountain course combines everything the desert has to offer. Many famous tournaments have been played on this legendary and exclusive " VIP players only " golfer's paradise. Noted for pot bunkers, rock formations, sand and water. Watch for the par-3 16th hole that has a green that is surrounded by desert mountain rocks.

The Mountain course has been the home to the World Cup, the PGA National Cup Pro Championships and the California State Open. One of the top courses in the valley. Love this course because it is truly in the mountains and the scenery and the layout is stupendous.

The Dunes Course

The La Quinta Resort Dunes course has held both the California State Open and PGA Tour Qualifying School. Designed by Pete Dye, it provides a relaxing round of golf with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain and desert landscapes. Well bunkered with railroad ties and lots of water.

The Pete Dye designed Dunes Course provides a relaxing round of golf surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Out of the traditional Scottish mold, this links style course favors accuracy from the tee allowing access to its well-guarded greens. The Dunes Course is ranked among Golf Digest's "Top 75 Resort Courses" in America, and was the site of the 1998 PGA TOUR Qualifying School.

A great Pete Dye designed that works your shots, but does not beat you up. Always in fabulous condition.

The Golf Club at Terra Lago presents 36 challenging holes (North Course and South Course) the North Course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and a beautiful and challenging island green par 3 which was a featured hole during the Skins Games played at The Golf Club at Terra Lago. The view from the 7th tee box is considered one of the best in the valley; from there you have a complete panoramic view from one end of the Coachella Valley to the other.

The North Course measures 7,060 yards (Rating 73.7 / slope 137) from the championship tees, but with 4 sets of tees to play from players of all skill levels can find their game. The North Course measures 5,067 yards (Rating 69.7 / slope 124) for women and the forward tee boxes eliminate many of the forced caries required from the other tee boxes.

The South Course features one of the most unique and memorable holes at The Golf Club at Terra Lago. Hole # 2 is a narrow par 4 that runs along a wide canal making anything hit to the right impossible to play, as you approach the green you must cross this canal. Rather than a traditional wood bridge the designers decided to add a little flare to the experience by creating a bridge from an old rail car. This hole is affectionately known as the "Box Car" hole.

The South Course measures 7,044 yards (Rating 75.1 / slope 140) from the championship tees, but again with 4 sets of tees to play from players of all skill levels can find their game. The South Course measures 5,045 yards (Rating 70.9 / slope 128) for women and the forward tee boxes eliminate many of the forced caries required from the other tee boxes.

Both the North and South Course are great test of golf and provide some of the most unique and stunning views of the Coachella Valley. The Golf Club at Terra Lago also has a full service practice facility including a full driving range, multiple practice putting greens, and practice bunkers. If you are having trouble finding your game on the course, our PGA instructors can help you find it here.

Both course work through the hills and there are some Par 3 holes that will really make you swing away. Fun to play both and views are great.

Eagle Falls Golf

Directions: Heading east on I-10 exit Golf Center Parkway and make a left off the ramp to the first traffic signal. Turn right into Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Renowned architect Clive Clark has taken a parcel of our local desert and carved a masterpiece with elevations and water features not usually seen on a golf course that is open for public play. This 18-hole, 6,715 yard par 72 challenge will test the low handicapper, but yet provide an enjoyable and fair test of golf for the average player.

Wow, who would guess that this far out in the desert is such a gorgeous golf course that Clive Clark designed (he also has one in The Hideaway).

Website: www.eaglefallsgolf.com

Shadow Hills Golf

Address: 80875 Avenue 40,Indio, CA 92203Phone: (760) 200-3375

Directions: Heading east on the I-10 freeway, exit Indio Blvd and turn left at Jefferson St. Turn right at Varner Rd, then Varner Rd turns left and becomes Jefferson St and you'll make a right at 40th Ave.

Shadow Hills is laid out in harmony with the natural hues of the vast desert, creating an explosion of color that takes your breath away. As the shadows move across the valley, and the purples and browns of the desertscape mix with the deep greens of Shadow Hills, you'll understand where the names comes from. So come play Shadow Hills Golf Club and experience some of the most beautiful landscape the California desert has to offer.

Indian Palms Country Club

Address: 48630 Monroe Street,Indio, CA 92201Phone: (760) 775-4444

Directions: Take Monroe Street/Central Indio exit off the Interstate 10 (I-10). Drive South on Monroe for 2.5 miles to the club

The centerpiece of the resort facility is our 27-hole championship golf course, which has recently undergone a three-phase revitalization process designed to modernize the facility while preserving the historic integrity of the property. Indian Palms' three nine hole courses - the Mountain, Royal and Indian nines. are designed to provide tests of accuracy rather than strength and distance.

In addition, each nine offers a slightly diverse style of golf challenge, taking full advantage of its majestic surroundings, offering the perfect challenge to ignite the interest of any caliber of golfer. Throughout your round, you will come across strategically placed sand traps and water comes into play on 15 of the 27 holes. In contrast to most desert courses, hundreds of mature trees line each fairway. Our signature hole is the 301-yard par-4 5th Hole on the Mountain Nine - featuring our island green.

Indian Palms is also proud to offer a world-class practice facility featuring a double ended driving range, two practice putting greens and a complete short game area with areas for chipping, sand play, and putting practice.

The Indian Palms Golf Shop has the latest fashion, equipment and accessories and the Golf Shop is staffed with experienced professionals eager to serve.

Website: www.indianpalms.com/golf

Indian Springs Golf Club

Address: 79940 Westward Ho Drive,Indio, CA 92201Phone: (760) 200-8988

Directions: Head East on the I-10 freeway for approximately 9 miles, take the Indio Blvd exit, turn right at Jefferson Street, turn right at Westward Ho Drive.

The Immaculate Indian Springs Golf Club is rated "BEST COURSE under $100"byThe Desert Sun and for 2008-2009 has received Golf Digest's 4 STAR Rating. Located in La Quinta/Indio, CA with easy access from Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells and Palm Desert. Indian Springs has blossomed into one of the finest and most player friendly courses in the Palm Springs Area with Friendly Country Club Service. We're known for our tournament speed greens that are a "Perfect 10".

One of the most pristine golf courses anywhere beckons all golfers of every caliber and at very reasonable rates. GPS on every golf cart assists you in enjoying your round to its fullest. The course and facilities are always in excellent condition; so come out and play a round.

Fun course to play open fairways make this course a must during the season.

Heritage Palms Golf Club

Directions: Head East on the I-10 freeway, exit Indio Blvd. Turn right at Jefferson St. then make a left at Fred Waring Drive (44th Ave) look for the location on your right.

Located just east of Palm Springs is the fabulous Heritage Palms Golf Club. A true gem of the desert, this 18-hole championship Arthur Hills-designed course brings you one of the best-nurtured and more enticing courses in the valley. Designed for your enjoyment, Heritage Palms provides 6,722 yards of pure golfing pleasure. Par for the 18 holes is a 72. Equally challenging and rewarding, this magnificent layout is not to be missed. Heritage Palms has superb conditioning and playing surfaces.

The club features an expansive 30,000-foot clubhouse with a traditional golf shop, conference center, affordable green fees, a practice facility and a spacious restaurant. This premier championship course has all the right ingredients for an exceptional day of golf. Heritage Palms Golf Course is heavily contoured with some changes in elevation. Well-bunkered and good uses of water-no two holes are alike! There are also four large lakes, and plenty of greenside bunkers.

This course is one of the hidden gems in the desert – I have played the great course a few times and just keep coming back – you will love it.